To prevent the disease, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) recommends vaccination during childhood. Three doses of the vaccine are necessary to achieve 95% protection, with the first dose given at two months of age, the second at four months and the third at 12 months.

Adolescents can be revaccinated between the ages of 11 and 15. Adults can be vaccinated at a later stage. This is particularly important for people in risk groups, such as healthcare professionals or drug users.

The hepatitis A virus is transmitted faecal-orally, usually through contaminated food (e.g. juices, unpeeled fruit, seafood, ice cream), water or close contact with infected persons.

After infection, sufferers experience fever, malaise, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea and severe fatigue. If the disease breaks out, it lasts for several weeks up to six months. However, it usually heals spontaneously.

To prevent hepatitis A, certain hygiene rules should be observed when travelling abroad, in addition to vaccination: wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, boil water and only handle food with clean hands.

The FOPH recommends preventive vaccination, especially before travelling to risk areas, i.e. countries with poor hygienic conditions, and for men who have sex with men.

Two doses of vaccine are needed to achieve the very high immunity of 95–99%. The vaccine can also be given as a combined vaccine with hepatitis B, which is possible in both children and adults. You can get the vaccine from the age of one and at any age.

Vaccination in the pharmacy is authorised for people aged 16 and over. Vaccinations in the pharmacy may only be given if a contraindication, pregnancy (except for vaccinations based on a doctor's prescription), an immune deficiency and an autoimmune disease are ruled out.

Tip: Bring your vaccination booklet with you for vaccination so that the pharmacy can check your vaccination status.